The 1st Melbourn Rainbows unit is going from strength to strength – having expanded to create a second group ahead of their 10th anniversary.

A colourful ceremony has been held in front of proud families and friends to mark the enrolment of 21 new members at the unit, which meets in the village on Thursday evenings.

Unit leader Abigail Roberts said: “We started with just 16 girls and it is wonderful to see how the unit has grown and expanded over time, ahead of our 10th anniversary in January.

“My special thanks go to my wonderful team, both past and present, whose commitment, energy and creativity ensure that Rainbows goes from strength to strength – and without whom the addition of a second session would not have been possible.”

The expansion – a direct response to the sheer number of girls on the waiting list – means that up to 38 girls can take part in the unit’s Butterflies and Bees groups, where Rachael Boulton, Alison Coppen and Stef Cooper are leaders.

The current term also marks 30 years of the Rainbows Girlguiding initiative for girls aged five to seven in the UK.

To mark this anniversary 1st Melbourn Rainbows have been completing their ‘Hats off to Rainbows’ badge by exploring the different roles – or ‘hats’ – that girls could have when they grow up.

They made bookmarks with a scientist – who talked about her job and engaged the girls in chromatography – met Melbourn vicar Rev Lizzie Shipp who showed them a gold chalice from her church, talked politics with South Cambs MP Heidi Allen, took shots on goal with a footballer, marched with members of an Air Cadet Squadron, and they also spoke about what makes a good news story with the Crow.

Sofia Cirillo, aged five, told the Crow: “I liked it when we did marching with the air cadet.”

Beatrix Garner, seven, said: “I enjoyed meeting the MP because I would like to sit in the Houses of Parliament.”

And six-year-old Addison Riggans added: “The best part of being part of Rainbows is when we get visitors.”

Leader Rachael Boulton said: “These ladies have inspired the Rainbows with their presentations and activities, and the Rainbows have stumped more than one of them with their probing questions and inquisitive minds.”

To find out more about 1st Melbourn Rainbows, or if you can spare your time as a volunteer, email melbournrainbows@hotmail.co.uk